Legionella isn’t a name you hear every day, but it should be on every homeowner’s radar. This bacterium can thrive in your home’s water system, invisible and undetected, until it makes someone very sick. It causes Legionnaires’ disease—a type of pneumonia that can be fatal. And the scary part? It hides in places you rarely think to check.
What Is Legionella?
Legionella is a type of bacteria found in freshwater environments like lakes and streams. On its own in the wild, it doesn’t pose much danger. But when it finds its way into man-made water systems, like hot tubs, plumbing, water heaters, and cooling towers, it can multiply quickly.
Once aerosolized (turned into mist or vapor), it becomes dangerous when inhaled.
Legionnaires’ disease isn’t rare. According to the CDC, about 10,000 cases are reported annually in the U.S. alone. But health officials believe the actual number is much higher due to underdiagnosis.
Legionella in South Africa
In South Africa, Legionella has also been a concern, especially in densely populated urban areas and regions with outdated water infrastructure. Outbreaks have occurred in both hospitals and hotels. The South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has issued warnings and conducted investigations into cases where poor water system maintenance led to confirmed Legionella infections. The risk is compounded by warm climates and inconsistent plumbing standards, making vigilance even more crucial.
Common Misdiagnoses
Legionnaires’ disease is often mistaken for other respiratory illnesses. It shares symptoms with the flu, pneumonia, and even COVID-19, fever, cough, and muscle aches. This overlap in symptoms leads to frequent misdiagnoses, especially when doctors aren’t specifically testing for Legionella. In some cases, treatment delays can worsen outcomes. It’s essential for healthcare providers and homeowners alike to consider environmental exposure when evaluating respiratory illnesses.
High-Risk Environments
Legionella is at its most dangerous in large or complex water systems where water may stagnate. This includes office buildings, hotels, hospitals, and apartment complexes. In homes, the risk spikes when hot water systems are not maintained or when properties are left unoccupied for long stretches, as with holiday homes or rentals. The bacteria thrive in warm, still water, so any part of a water system that isn’t flushed regularly can become a breeding ground.
How Does It Enter Your Home?
Legionella thrives in stagnant water and warm temperatures (77°F to 113°F). Common sources in residential settings include:
Even the plumbing in your home can be a breeding ground if water is sitting for extended periods. For example, vacation homes or guest bathrooms that aren’t used regularly can allow bacteria to grow.
The Hidden Threat
One of the biggest dangers of Legionella is how unassuming it is. You can’t see, smell, or taste it. There are often no early warning signs in your water system. And yet, the effects can be devastating.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, fever, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to hospitalization or death—especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
Prevention Is Key
You don’t need to panic, but you do need to act. Here are some practical steps:
Still, even with these efforts, Legionella can be persistent.
The Merus Ring: A Simple Preventative Solution
At Merus, we offer a solution that targets biofilm and scale buildup where Legionella tends to hide. The Merus Ring installs easily around your home’s piping system and works without chemicals. By disrupting the environment that allows bacteria to thrive, it makes it harder for Legionella to colonize.
This isn’t magic, it’s physics. The Merus Ring emits specific frequencies that reduce biofilm and improve water quality. Our clients have seen measurable reductions in bacteria count in residential and commercial systems alike.
Legionella might be invisible, but your defence against it doesn’t have to be. If you’re sceptical, we welcome your questions. Let’s talk. Learn how Merus can help keep your home’s water safe.
